Drug Delivery System and Method

ABSTRACT

A customizable drug delivery system and method utilizing a laser pattern generator (LPG) to define application of a drug delivery payload (DDP) contained within a drug delivery device (DDD) to a drug delivery target (DDT) is disclosed. A computer control device (CCD) supervises the LPG to select a drug payload pathway (DPP) from a drug pathway database (DPD) and writes the selected DPP to the DDD. This pathway patterning process (PPP) modifies the hydrophilic properties of the DDD and enables the DDD to selectively attract and absorb the DDP. The DDD is then injected with the DDP or exposed for drug exposure time (DET) by the CCD and DPD during which the DPP written to the DDD absorbs a controlled amount of DDP. The DDD when subsequently inserted into a drug delivery target (DDT) delivers the DDP to the DDT under controlled delivery rates defined by the DPP and the DET.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Divisional Patent Application

This patent application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and is a divisional patent application (DPA) of and includes by reference U.S. patent application for DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD by inventors Ruth (nmn) Sahler and Steven Edward Smathers, filed electronically with the USPTO on 2019 Dec. 17, with Ser. No. 16/717,131, EFSID 38056498, confirmation number 1347, docket PIP-1801, issued as U.S. Pat. No. ______ on 2023-MM-DD.

Utility Patents

This patent application includes by reference U.S. Pat. No. 9,023,257 Ser. No. 13/843,464 issued on May 5, 2015.

U.S. patent application for DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD by inventors Ruth (nmn) Sahler and Steven Edward Smathers, filed electronically with the USPTO on 2019 Dec. 17, with Ser. No. 16/717,131, EFSID 38056498, confirmation number 1347, docket PIP-1801, issued as U.S. Pat. No. ______ on 2023-MM-DD, includes by reference U.S. Pat. No. 9,023,257 Ser. No. 13/843,464 issued on May 5, 2015.

Provisional Patent Applications

U.S. patent application for DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD by inventors Ruth (nmn) Sahler and Steven Edward Smathers, filed electronically with the USPTO on 2019 Dec. 17, with Ser. No. 16/717,131, EFSID 38056498, confirmation number 1347, docket PIP-1801, claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 and incorporates by reference U.S. Provisional Patent Application for DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD by inventors Ruth (nmn) Sahler and Steven Edward Smathers, filed electronically with the USPTO on Dec. 21, 2018, with Ser. No. 62/783,320, EFSID 34668102, confirmation number 4042, docket PIP-1801P.

PARTIAL WAIVER OF COPYRIGHT

All of the material in this patent application is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and of other countries. As of the first effective filing date of the present application, this material is protected as unpublished material.

However, permission to copy this material is hereby granted to the extent that the copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentation or patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for controlling drug delivery of a drug delivery payload (DDP) to a drug delivery target (DDT).

PRIOR ART

U.S. Pat. No. 9,023,257 Ser. No. 13/843,464 issued on May 5, 2015 describes the use of a femtosecond laser to adjust the hydrophilicity of an acrylic material that has been impregnated with an ultraviolet (UV) absorber having a concentration of 2% or less. The energy from the laser initiates a two-photon reaction in which certain ester molecules in the acrylic material or the absorber are split. The split creates residual polar molecules that attract water molecules. By regulating the laser energy and its application one may create hydrophilic molecules within the material wherever desired. These polar molecules allow the creation of an osmotic gradient within the acrylic material. Depending on the drug and its constituents the acrylic material may be adjusted such that the trapped drug will migrate at a defined rate into surrounding tissue.

The journal article “Chemical Basis for Alteration of an Intraocular Lens Using a Femtosecond Laser” published in BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS, VOL. 8, NO. 3, 1 Mar. 2017, pages 1390-1404 describes the chemical basis for the alteration of the refractive properties of an intraocular lens with a femtosecond laser using three different microscope setups.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a system and method wherein a drug delivery payload (DDP) within a drug delivery device (DDD) is delivered to a designated area(s) on the DDD at a predetermined speed and concentration by virtue of drug payload pathway(s) (DPP) imprinted onto the DDD by a laser pattern generator (LPG). The present invention utilizes a capsule/button/disc/pouch/tab/intraocular lens (“IOL”) created using a material (such as an acrylic material) that has been treated with a femtosecond laser power source (LPS) controlled by the LPG. The LPS creates hydrophilic DPP in the DDD that lead to the surface of the DDD material. The LPS will thus have created hydrophilic channels within the DDD. These hydrophilic channels are used to (1) deliver the DDP to the designated area or (2) deposit the DDP within the DDD. The DDD is implanted in subcutaneous tissue of a drug delivery target (DDT) and the drug migrates from the DDD in a regular manner over a significant period of time (hours to months given the drug and the channels created in the DDD). The DPP may provide for various rates and/or flows of DDP delivery dependent on the osmatic gradient within the material and subcutaneous tissue of the DDT. After use, the DDD capsule/button/disc/pouch/tab/IOL may be explanted or refilled using a syringe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the advantages provided by the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram depicting a general overview of a preferred exemplary invention system embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart depicting a general overview of a preferred exemplary invention method embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates top, front, side, perspective, perspective front section, and perspective right section views of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) capsule embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates top, front, side, perspective, perspective front section, and perspective right section views of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates top, front, side, perspective, perspective front section, and perspective right section views of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) disc embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates top, front, side, perspective, perspective front section, and perspective right section views of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) pouch embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates top, front, side, perspective, perspective front section, and perspective right section views of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) tab embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates top, front, side, perspective, perspective front section, and perspective right section views of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) intraocular lens (IOL) embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a top perspective view of a preferred exemplary helix DPP form factor;

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of a preferred exemplary helix DPP form factor;

FIG. 11 illustrates a top perspective view of a preferred exemplary spiral DPP form factor;

FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of a preferred exemplary spiral DPP form factor;

FIG. 13 illustrates a top perspective view of a preferred exemplary rectangular spiral DPP form factor;

FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of a preferred exemplary rectangular spiral DPP form factor;

FIG. 15 illustrates a top perspective view of a preferred exemplary serpentine DPP form factor;

FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of a preferred exemplary serpentine DPP form factor;

FIG. 17 illustrates a top front right perspective view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment incorporating a refilling port;

FIG. 18 illustrates a bottom front right perspective view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment incorporating a refilling port;

FIG. 19 illustrates a front view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment incorporating a refilling port;

FIG. 20 illustrates a rear view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment incorporating a refilling port;

FIG. 21 illustrates a left side view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment incorporating a refilling port;

FIG. 22 illustrates a right side view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment incorporating a refilling port;

FIG. 23 illustrates a top view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment incorporating a refilling port;

FIG. 24 illustrates a bottom view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment incorporating a refilling port;

FIG. 25 illustrates a side perspective section view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment incorporating a refilling port;

FIG. 26 illustrates a side section view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment incorporating a refilling port;

FIG. 27 illustrates a front perspective section view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment incorporating a refilling port;

FIG. 28 illustrates a front section view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment incorporating a refilling port;

FIG. 29 illustrates a top upper perspective section view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment incorporating a refilling port and detailing an exemplary top-half spiral drug delivery path (DDP);

FIG. 30 illustrates a top upper section view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment incorporating a refilling port and detailing an exemplary top-half spiral drug delivery path (DDP);

FIG. 31 illustrates a top mid-plane perspective section view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment incorporating a refilling port and detailing an exemplary drug delivery reservoir (DDR);

FIG. 32 illustrates a top lower perspective section view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment incorporating a refilling port and detailing an exemplary bottom-half spiral drug delivery path (DDP);

FIG. 33 illustrates a top perspective view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment positioned for loading of the DDR via a needle syringe;

FIG. 34 illustrates a top perspective section view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment positioned for loading of the DDR via a needle syringe;

FIG. 35 illustrates a top and front perspective section views of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment positioned for loading of the DDR via a needle syringe;

FIG. 36 illustrates top perspective section views of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment positioned for loading of the DDR via a prefilled needle syringe;

FIG. 37 illustrates top perspective section views of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment and a needle syringe inserted into the external delivery port (EDP) of the DDD;

FIG. 38 illustrates a detail top perspective section view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment and a needle syringe inserted into the external delivery port (EDP) of the DDD;

FIG. 39 illustrates a detail top section view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment and a needle syringe inserted into the external delivery port (EDP) of the DDD;

FIG. 40 illustrates top perspective section views of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment and a needle syringe after removal from the external delivery port (EDP) of the DDD;

FIG. 41 illustrates a top front right perspective view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) disc-style embodiment incorporating multiple radial DPP pathways;

FIG. 42 illustrates a bottom front right perspective view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) disc-style embodiment incorporating multiple radial DPP pathways;

FIG. 43 illustrates a front view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) disc-style embodiment incorporating multiple radial DPP pathways;

FIG. 44 illustrates a rear view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) disc-style embodiment incorporating multiple radial DPP pathways;

FIG. 45 illustrates a left side view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) disc-style embodiment incorporating multiple radial DPP pathways;

FIG. 46 illustrates a right side view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) disc-style embodiment incorporating multiple radial DPP pathways;

FIG. 47 illustrates a top view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) disc-style embodiment incorporating multiple radial DPP pathways;

FIG. 48 illustrates a bottom view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) disc-style embodiment incorporating multiple radial DPP pathways;

FIG. 49 illustrates a side perspective section view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) disc-style embodiment incorporating multiple radial DPP pathways;

FIG. 50 illustrates a side section view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) disc-style embodiment incorporating multiple radial DPP pathways;

FIG. 51 illustrates a front perspective section view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) disc-style embodiment incorporating multiple radial DPP pathways;

FIG. 52 illustrates a front section view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) disc-style embodiment incorporating multiple radial DPP pathways;

FIG. 53 illustrates a top upper perspective section view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) disc-style embodiment incorporating multiple radial DPP pathways and detailing an exemplary top-half radial drug delivery path (DDP);

FIG. 54 illustrates a top mid-plane perspective section view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) disc-style embodiment incorporating multiple radial DPP pathways and detailing an exemplary drug delivery reservoir (DDR);

FIG. 55 illustrates a top mid-plane section view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) disc-style embodiment incorporating multiple radial DPP pathways and detailing an exemplary top-half radial drug delivery path (DDP);

FIG. 56 illustrates a top lower perspective section view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) disc-style embodiment incorporating multiple radial DPP pathways and detailing an exemplary bottom-half radial drug delivery path (DDP);

FIG. 57 illustrates a top perspective view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) disc-style embodiment incorporating DPP comprising lines of different width;

FIG. 58 illustrates a top perspective section view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) disc-style embodiment incorporating DPP comprising lines of different width;

FIG. 59 illustrates a top perspective view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) disc-style embodiment incorporating DPP comprising varying cross sectional areas;

FIG. 60 illustrates a top perspective section view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) disc-style embodiment incorporating DPP comprising varying cross sectional areas;

FIG. 61 illustrates a top perspective view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment incorporating a bump-style identifying indicia locator (IIL);

FIG. 62 illustrates a top perspective section view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment incorporating a bump-style identifying indicia locator (IIL);

FIG. 63 illustrates a top perspective view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment incorporating a notch-style identifying indicia locator (IIL); and

FIG. 64 illustrates a top perspective section view of a preferred exemplary invention drug delivery device (DDD) button-style embodiment incorporating a notch-style identifying indicia locator (IIL).

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detailed preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiment illustrated.

The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will be described with particular reference to the presently preferred embodiment, wherein these innovative teachings are advantageously applied to the particular problems of a DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD. However, it should be understood that this embodiment is only one example of the many advantageous uses of the innovative teachings herein. In general, statements made in the specification of the present application do not necessarily limit any of the various claimed inventions. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventive features but not to others.

General Laser Pattern Generator (LPG) Description

The present invention may be generally described as utilizing a laser pattern generator (LPG) which consists of a femtosecond laser source (FLS), an AOM, a scanner, and an objective which delivers the laser pulses into the predetermined region. The FLS preferably has a pulse duration of 450 fs or shorter, a wavelength in the range of 400 nm to 1060 nm, and a repetition rate in the range of 0.01 MHz to 100 MHz. The pulse energy is typically in the range of 0.1 nanojoules to 3500 nanojoules. Those who are skilled in the art understand that these laser parameters are approximate and may be adjusted and rebalanced to be outside above-specified range but still be able to achieve the same level of energy delivered to the targeted regions of the lens material.

Drug Delivery Payload Path (DPP) Surface Interface to DDD

The present invention as described herein includes several examples of drug delivery payload path (DPP) pathways that may be created on/within a variety of drug delivery devices (DDD). These DPP as depicted within the DDD are to be considered as reaching the surface of the DDD so as to provide a pathway from the internal portion of the depicted DDD to the surface of the DDD. This construction allows the drug delivery payload (DDP) to flow from the internal portion of the DDD to the drug delivery target (DDT). The exemplary DPP illustrated may in some depictions omit the surface interface of the DPP to the DDD, as this will be well understood by one skilled in the art and will by necessity vary based on the application context and construction of the DDD.

DPP Cross Section Exemplary

The exemplary DPP pathways depicted herein may indicate a uniform cross section. However, the present invention anticipates that the DPP cross section may vary along the DPP pathway and as such the ability of the DDD to retain the DDP may vary along the DPP pathway. Thus, the present invention scope is not limited to fixed cross section DPP pathways and the width/depth of these pathways may vary based on application context.

System Overview (0100)

A general overview of a preferred exemplary invention embodiment is generally depicted in FIG. 1 (0100), wherein a laser pattern generator (LPG) (0111) operated by a computer control device (CCD) (0112) executing machine instructions from a computer readable medium (0113) retrieves drug payload pathway (DPP) (0114) information from a drug pathway database (DPD) (0115). This DPP (0114) information is then used to pattern pathways within a drug delivery device (DDD) (0116) using the LPG (0111). During and after this patterning process the drug delivery payload (DDP) (0117) may be injected into the DDD (0116) or the DDD may be immersed in a drug delivery payload (DDP) (0117) under timed exposure (0118) using a drug exposure profile (DEP) (0119). The injection and/or timed exposure (0118) permits the delivery of the drug delivery payload (DDP) (0117) to the DDD (0116) generated by the LPG (0111) such that the drug delivery payload (DDP) (0117) is wicked into the body of the DDD (0116). Subsequent to this impregnation of the DDP (0117) into the DDD (0116) by injection and/or migration, the DDD (0116) may be implanted into a drug delivery target (DDT) (0120) for delivery of the DDP (0117) within the DDD (0116) to the DDT (0120) under delivery rates controlled by the DPP (0114) formed within the DDD (0116). While the predominant mode of filling and/or refilling the DDD is envisioned as a manual process (syringe) using an identifying indicia locator (IIL) (index, bump, notch, etc.) in the DDD, there may exist other mechanisms to fill the DDD.

The use of various DPP (0114) pathways in conjunction with various construction methodologies for the DDD (0116) permit the absorption and release of the DDP (0117) by the DDD (0116) to be controlled by information contained within the DPD (0115). Thus, the present invention allows a generic DDD (0116) form factor to be modified with a wide variety of internal modified hydrophilic pathways that allow the DDP (0117) to be delivered in a tailored fashion to the DDT (0120). Once the DDP (0117) has been successfully delivered to the DDT (0120), the DDD (0116) may be removed from the DDT (0120) or optionally refilled using a needle syringe or other refilling apparatus that utilizes the modified hydrophilic pathways within the DDD (0116) to continue delivery of the newly refilled DDP (0117) within the DDD (0116). The DDD (0116) may have a distinguishing mark which allows the DDD (0116) to be refilled at the correct location along the surface of the DDD (0116).

Method Overview (0200)

The present invention method anticipates a wide variety of variations in the basic theme of implementation, but may be generalized as depicted in FIG. 2 (0200) as a drug delivery method using hydrophilicity alteration comprising:

-   -   (1) selecting a drug delivery device (DDD) (0201);     -   (2) selecting a drug delivery payload (DDP) (0202);     -   (3) with a computer control device (CCD), selecting a drug         payload pathway (DPP) from a drug pathway database (DPD) (0203);     -   (4) with the CCD, imprinting the selected DPP onto DDD using a         femtosecond laser radiation source (FLS) controlled by a laser         pattern generator (LPG) (0204);     -   (5) injecting and/or time exposing the patterned DDD to and/or         with the drug delivery payload (DDP) (0205); and     -   (6) applying the injected and/or time exposed DDD to a drug         delivery target (DDT) (0206).

This general method may be modified heavily depending on a number of factors, with rearrangement and/or addition/deletion of steps anticipated by the scope of the present invention. Integration of this and other preferred exemplary embodiment methods in conjunction with a variety of preferred exemplary embodiment systems described herein is anticipated by the overall scope of the present invention. This and other methods described herein are optimally executed under control of a computer system reading instructions from a computer readable media as described elsewhere herein.

Exemplary DDD Form Factors (0300)-(0800)

FIG. 3 (0300)-FIG. 8 (0800) depict exemplary drug delivery device (DDD) form factors anticipated by the present invention, including capsule (FIG. 3 (0300)), button (FIG. 4 (0400)), disc (FIG. 5 (0500)), pouch (FIG. 6 (0600)), tab (FIG. 7 (0700)), and intraocular lens (FIG. 8 (0800)) form factors.

Exemplary DPP Form Factors (0900)-(1600)

FIG. 9 (0900)-FIG. 16 (1600) depict several exemplary drug delivery payload path (DPP) form factors anticipated by the present invention, including helix (FIG. 9 (0900)-FIG. 10 (1000)), spiral (FIG. 11 (1100)-FIG. 12 (1200)), rectangular spiral (FIG. 13 (1300)-FIG. 14 (1400)), and serpentine (FIG. 15 (1500)-FIG. 16 (1600)). A rectangular helix (not shown) may also be configured by combining the teachings of FIG. 9 (0900)-FIG. 10 (1000) with that shown in FIG. 13 (1300)-FIG. 14 (1400). These depicted DPPs represent the pattern pathways produced by the LPG within the DDD. The present invention anticipates that these are only a few of a wide variety of DPP pathways that may be used to internally store and/or deliver the DDP (optionally with connection to a DDR) to the DDT. Furthermore, combinations of these DPPs are anticipated as well as scenarios where layering of DPPs within the DDD. While the depicted DPPs have a circular cross section, the present invention is not limited to this geometry, as the LPG may be configured to generate cross sections of arbitrary perimeter.

One skilled in the art will recognize that these DPP pathways are exemplary of a wide variety of drug payload delivery pathways that may be employed within various physical embodiments of the present invention. With this in mind, the present invention anticipates that combinations of DPP pathways as shown herein and others not specifically disclosed but within the scope of one skilled in the art are applicable to a wide variety of application contexts.

Refillable Drug Delivery Reservoir (DDR) (1700)-(3200)

In some circumstances the present invention may incorporate a drug delivery reservoir (DDR) that may be refillable in some embodiments. FIG. 17 (1700)-FIG. 32 (3200) depict a preferred exemplary embodiment of this concept as applied to a button DDD form factor. In this exemplary embodiment the DDD is formed with a top half (1710) and a bottom half (1720) mated together with each half having a corresponding index face (1711, 1721) that identifies the location of a drug delivery reservoir port (DRP) (1730) that may be used to fill/refill the DDD. DDP pathways are generated internal to the DDD with provisions for one or more external delivery ports (EDP) (2012, 2022) provided for as generally depicted in FIG. 20 (2000).

The internal construction of this button-style DDD is generally depicted in FIG. 25 (2500)-FIG. 32 (3200) by the various section views. Here the DPP have been generally depicted using extruded cuts within the DDD to show the internal drug delivery pathways provided for by the LPG process. Referencing FIG. 25 (2500), the external delivery ports (EDP) (2512, 2522) are depicted that are connected to upper (2513) and lower (2523) DPP that source DDP from a DDR created by an upper (2514) and lower (2524) interior void within the DDD. This DDR may be filled during assembly of the upper (2510) and lower (2520) half components of the DDD or in some circumstances loaded via syringe injection via a rubberized DRP (2530). The DRP may also be constructed such that the DDD DDR is loaded via the DDR port that contains the DRP and then this DDR port may be externally plugged to seal in the DDP within the DDR. The top mid-plane perspective section view of FIG. 31 (3100) provides additional detail regarding the relationship between the DDR (3124) and the DRP (3130). FIG. 29 (2900)-FIG. 30 (3000) provide additional detail regarding an exemplary upper section DPP and FIG. 32 (3200) provides additional detail regarding an exemplary lower section DPP.

Exemplary DDD Refilling Protocol (3300)-(4000)

An exemplary DDD refilling protocol is generally depicted in FIG. 33 (3300)-FIG. 40 (4000) in which an exemplary DDD (3310) is refilled using a needle syringe (3320). FIG. 33 (3300)-FIG. 35 (3500) illustrates the pre-injection state in various perspective and section views. FIG. 36 (3600) illustrates a loaded needle syringe ready for DDD refilling. FIG. 37 (3700)-FIG. 39 (3900) illustrates a needle syringe loading the DDR of the DDD via the external delivery port (EDP) of the DDD. FIG. 40 (4000) illustrates an unloaded needle syringe after DDD refilling. This protocol may be equally applied in situations where the EDP is permanently sealed after filling of the DDR by the needle syringe.

Exemplary Multi-Pathway DPP (4100)-(5600)

The present invention anticipates that the DPP pathways may terminate at multiple points on the surface of the DDD. This concept is generally depicted in FIG. 41 (4100)-FIG. 56 (5600) in which an exemplary disc-style DDD (5510) is constructed and depicted in the detail section view of FIG. 55 (5500) with multiple radial DPP pathways (5521, 5522, 5523, 5524, 5525, 5526) that originate from a DDR (5530) and terminate on the surface of the DDD (5510).

DPP Line Width Variations (5700)-(5800)

The present invention anticipates that the DPP pathways may incorporate different line widths. This concept is generally depicted in FIG. 57 (5700)-FIG. 58 (5800) in which an exemplary disc-style DDD is constructed having a multiple number (3) of different line widths associated with the DPP pathways in the DDD.

DPP Cross Sectional Area Variations (5900)-(6000)

The present invention anticipates that the DPP pathways may incorporate different cross sectional pathway areas. This concept is generally depicted in FIG. 59 (5900)-FIG. 60 (6000) in which an exemplary disc-style DDD is constructed having a varying cross sectional areas associated with the DPP pathways in the DDD.

DDD Identifying Indicia Locator (6100)-(6400)

As generally illustrated in the drawings, the DDD may incorporate an identifying indicia locator (IIL) locating an external delivery port (EDP), the identifying indicia selected from a group consisting of: index face (FIG. 17 (1700)-FIG. 32 (3200)); bump (FIG. 61 (6100)-FIG. 62 (6200)); and notch (FIG. 63 (6300)-FIG. 64 (6400)). One skilled in the art will recognize that these exemplary IIL locators represent only a few of a wide variety of possible IIL implementations, and as such the present invention scope is not limited to these examples.

Drug Delivery Customization

The present invention specifically anticipates that the drug delivery system parameters may be modified to allow for a custom hydrophilicity change depth/width which may be used to control the drug delivery speed and/or flow.

The present invention specifically anticipates that the femtosecond laser pulse energy may be adjusted to affect the drug delivery speed and/or flow.

The present invention specifically anticipates that the system parameters may be modified to allow for a custom hydrophilicity width and/or depth that may be used to control the drug delivery speed and/or flow.

The present invention specifically anticipates that patient specific information may be added to allow for a custom drug delivery option based on specific patient requirements.

The present invention specifically anticipates that the DDD may be comprised of a biological tissue that is receptive to a two-photon hydrophilicity change and the drug delivery system may be used to improve water flow of the biological tissue.

System Summary

The present invention system may be broadly generalized as a drug delivery system comprising:

-   -   (a) laser pattern generator (LPG);     -   (b) computer control device (CCD);     -   (c) drug pathway database (DPD);     -   (d) drug delivery device (DDD); and     -   (e) drug delivery payload (DDP);     -   wherein:     -   the CCD is configured to retrieve a predetermined drug payload         pathway (DPP) from the DPD;     -   the CCD is configured to control the LPG to imprint the DPP onto         the DDD using a femtosecond laser radiation source (FLS);     -   the CCD is configured to generate hydrophilic modification of         the DDD in response to the imprinting of the DDD with the DPP;     -   the CCD is configured to expose the imprinted DDD to the DDP         based on a predetermined drug exposure profile (DEP); and     -   the hydrophilic modification of the DDD permits the DDP to be         wicked to or from the DDD based on the DPP imprinted into DDD.

This general system summary may be augmented by the various elements described herein to produce a wide variety of invention embodiments consistent with this overall design description.

Method Summary

The present invention method may be broadly generalized as a drug delivery method comprising:

-   -   (1) selecting a drug delivery device (DDD);     -   (2) selecting a drug delivery payload (DDP);     -   (3) with a computer control device (CCD), selecting a drug         payload pathway (DPP) from a drug pathway database (DPD);     -   (4) with the CCD, imprinting the selected DPP onto DDD using a         femtosecond laser radiation source (FLS) controlled by a laser         pattern generator (LPG);     -   (5) injecting and/or time exposing the patterned DDD to and/or         with the drug delivery payload (DDP); and     -   (6) applying the injected and/or time exposed DDD to a drug         delivery target (DDT).

This general method may be modified heavily depending on a number of factors, with rearrangement and/or addition/deletion of steps anticipated by the scope of the present invention. Integration of this and other preferred exemplary embodiment methods in conjunction with a variety of preferred exemplary embodiment systems described herein is anticipated by the overall scope of the present invention.

System/Method Variations

The present invention anticipates a wide variety of variations in the basic theme of construction. The examples presented previously do not represent the entire scope of possible usages. They are meant to cite a few of the almost limitless possibilities.

This basic system, method, and product-by-process may be augmented with a variety of ancillary embodiments, including but not limited to:

-   -   An embodiment wherein the FLS comprises a laser source having a         pulse duration of 450 fs or shorter, a wavelength in the range         of 400 nm to 1060 nm, and a repetition rate of in the range of         0.01 MHz to 100 MHz, and a pulse energy in the range of 0.1         nanojoules to 3500 nanojoules.     -   An embodiment wherein the LPG is configured to adjust laser         radiation energy generated by the FLS and imparted to the DDD to         affect drug delivery speed of the DDP along the DPP.     -   An embodiment wherein the LPG is configured to adjust laser         radiation energy generated by the FLS and imparted to the DDD to         affect drug delivery flow of the DDP along the DPP.     -   An embodiment wherein the DDD comprises a form factor selected         from a group consisting of: capsule; button; disc; pouch; tab;         and intraocular lens (IOL).     -   An embodiment wherein the DPP comprises a pathway pattern         selected from a group consisting of: helix; spiral; rectangular         helix; rectangular spiral;     -   serpentine; radial; lines of different width; and pathways of         varying cross section.     -   An embodiment wherein the DDD comprises an acrylic material         incorporating an ultraviolet (UV) absorber having a         concentration of 10% or less by volume.     -   An embodiment wherein the DDD comprises an internal drug         delivery reservoir (DDR) configured to accept the DDP.     -   An embodiment wherein the DDD comprises an internal refillable         drug delivery reservoir (DDR) configured to accept the DDP.     -   An embodiment wherein the DDD comprises an identifying indicia         locating an external delivery port (EDP), the identifying         indicia selected from a group consisting of: index face; bump;         and notch.     -   An embodiment wherein the DDD comprises an external delivery         port (EDP).     -   An embodiment wherein the DDD is configured to accept injection         of the DDP via the use of a needle syringe.     -   An embodiment wherein the DDD is configured to seal a drug         delivery reservoir (DDR) after injection of the DDP into the DDR         via the use of a needle syringe.     -   An embodiment wherein the CCD is configured to allow for a         customized hydrophilicity change depth within the DDD to control         drug delivery speed of the DDP within the DPP.     -   An embodiment wherein the CCD is configured to allow for a         customized hydrophilicity change width within the DDD to control         drug delivery speed of the DDP within the DPP.     -   An embodiment wherein the CCD is configured to allow for a         customized hydrophilicity change depth within the DDD to control         drug delivery flow of the DDP within the DPP.     -   An embodiment wherein the CCD is configured to allow for a         customized hydrophilicity change width within the DDD to control         drug delivery flow of the DDP within the DPP.     -   An embodiment wherein the CCD is configured to accept patient         specific information to customize the DPP based on specific         requirements of the patient.     -   An embodiment wherein the DDD comprises biological tissue that         is receptive to a two-photon hydrophilicity change and the LPG         is configured to modify the hydrophilicity of the biological         tissue via radiation from the FLS.     -   An embodiment wherein the DDD comprises biological tissue that         is receptive to a two-photon hydrophilicity change and wherein         the LPG is configured to modify the biological tissue via         radiation from the FLS to increase water flow within the         biological tissue via activation of a hydrophilicity change         imparted on the biological tissue by the FLS.

The present invention specifically anticipates and one skilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments are possible based on combinations of elements and configurations taught within the above invention descriptions.

CONCLUSION

A customizable drug delivery system and method utilizing a laser pattern generator (LPG) to define application of a drug delivery payload (DDP) contained within a drug delivery device (DDD) to a drug delivery target (DDT) has been disclosed. A computer control device (CCD) supervises the LPG to select a drug payload pathway (DPP) from a drug pathway database (DPD) and writes the selected DPP to the DDD. This pathway patterning process (PPP) modifies the hydrophilic properties of the DDD and enables the DDD to selectively attract and absorb the DDP. The DDD is then injected with the DDP or exposed for drug exposure time (DET) by the CCD and DPD during which the DPP written to the DDD absorbs a controlled amount of DDP. The DDD when subsequently inserted into a drug delivery target (DDT) delivers the DDP to the DDT under controlled delivery rates defined by the DPP and the DET.

Claims Interpretation

The following rules apply when interpreting the CLAIMS of the present invention:

-   -   The CLAIM PREAMBLE should be considered as limiting the scope of         the claimed invention.     -   “WHEREIN” clauses should be considered as limiting the scope of         the claimed invention.     -   “WHEREBY” clauses should be considered as limiting the scope of         the claimed invention.     -   “ADAPTED TO” clauses should be considered as limiting the scope         of the claimed invention.     -   “ADAPTED FOR” clauses should be considered as limiting the scope         of the claimed invention.     -   The term “MEANS” specifically invokes the means-plus-function         claims limitation recited in 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) and such claim         shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure,         material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents         thereof.     -   The phrase “MEANS FOR” specifically invokes the         means-plus-function claims limitation recited in 35 U.S.C. §         112(f) and such claim shall be construed to cover the         corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the         specification and equivalents thereof.     -   The phrase “STEP FOR” specifically invokes the         step-plus-function claims limitation recited in 35 U.S.C. §         112(f) and such claim shall be construed to cover the         corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the         specification and equivalents thereof.     -   The step-plus-function claims limitation recited in 35 U.S.C. §         112(f) shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure,         material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents         thereof ONLY for such claims including the phrases “MEANS FOR”,         “MEANS”, or “STEP FOR”.     -   The phrase “AND/OR” in the context of an expression “X and/or Y”         should be interpreted to define the set of “(X and Y)” in union         with the set “(X or Y)” as interpreted by Ex Parte Gross (USPTO         Patent Trial and Appeal Board, Appeal 2011-004811, Ser. No.         11/565,411, (“‘and/or’ covers embodiments having element A         alone, B alone, or elements A and B taken together”).     -   The claims presented herein are to be interpreted in light of         the specification and drawings presented herein with         sufficiently narrow scope such as to not preempt any abstract         idea.     -   The claims presented herein are to be interpreted in light of         the specification and drawings presented herein with         sufficiently narrow scope such as to not preclude every         application of any idea.     -   The claims presented herein are to be interpreted in light of         the specification and drawings presented herein with         sufficiently narrow scope such as to preclude any basic mental         process that could be performed entirely in the human mind.     -   The claims presented herein are to be interpreted in light of         the specification and drawings presented herein with         sufficiently narrow scope such as to preclude any process that         could be performed entirely by human manual effort.

Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A drug delivery method comprising: (1) selecting a drug delivery device (DDD); (2) selecting a drug delivery payload (DDP); (3) with a computer control device (CCD), selecting a drug payload pathway (DPP) from a drug pathway database (DPD); (4) with said CCD, imprinting the selected DPP onto DDD using a femtosecond laser radiation source (FLS) controlled by a laser pattern generator (LPG); (5) injecting and/or time exposing said patterned DDD to and/or with said drug delivery payload (DDP); and (6) applying said injected and/or time exposed DDD to a drug delivery target (DDT); wherein: said CCD is configured to generate hydrophilic modification of said DDD in response to said imprinting of said DDD with said DPP by said CCD; said LPG is configured to create hydrophilic DPP in said DDD that leads to the surface of said DDD, thereby creating hydrophilic channels within said DDD; said CCD is configured to expose said imprinted DDD to said DDP based on a predetermined drug exposure profile (DEP); and said hydrophilic modification of said DDD permits said DDP to be wicked to or from said DDD based on said DPP imprinted into said DDD.
 2. The drug delivery method of claim 1 wherein said FLS comprises a laser source having a pulse duration of 450 fs or shorter, a wavelength in the range of 400 nm to 1060 nm, and a repetition rate of in the range of 0.01 MHz to 100 MHz, and a pulse energy in the range of 0.1 nanojoules to 3500 nanojoules.
 3. The drug delivery method of claim 1 wherein said LPG is configured to adjust laser radiation energy generated by said FLS and imparted to said DDD to affect drug delivery speed of said DDP along said DPP.
 4. The drug delivery method of claim 1 wherein said LPG is configured to adjust laser radiation energy generated by said FLS and imparted to said DDD to affect drug delivery flow of said DDP along said DPP.
 5. The drug delivery method of claim 1 wherein said DDD comprises a form factor selected from a group consisting of: capsule; button; disc; pouch; tab; and intraocular lens (IOL).
 6. The drug delivery method of claim 1 wherein said DPP comprises a pathway pattern selected from a group consisting of: helix; spiral; rectangular helix; rectangular spiral; serpentine; radial; lines of different width; and pathways of varying cross section.
 7. The drug delivery method of claim 1 wherein said DDD comprises an acrylic material incorporating an ultraviolet (UV) absorber having a concentration of 10% or less by volume.
 8. The drug delivery method of claim 1 wherein said DDD comprises an internal drug delivery reservoir (DDR) configured to accept said DDP.
 9. The drug delivery method of claim 1 wherein said DDD comprises an internal refillable drug delivery reservoir (DDR) configured to accept said DDP.
 10. The drug delivery method of claim 1 wherein said DDD comprises an identifying indicia locating an external delivery port (EDP), said identifying indicia selected from a group consisting of: index face; bump; and notch.
 11. The drug delivery method of claim 1 wherein said DDD comprises an external delivery port (EDP).
 12. The drug delivery method of claim 1 wherein said DDD is configured to accept injection of said DDP via the use of a needle syringe.
 13. The drug delivery method of claim 1 wherein said DDD is configured to seal a drug delivery reservoir (DDR) after injection of said DDP into said DDR via the use of a needle syringe.
 14. The drug delivery method of claim 1 wherein said CCD is configured to allow for a customized hydrophilicity change depth within said DDD to control drug delivery speed of said DDP within said DPP.
 15. The drug delivery method of claim 1 wherein said CCD is configured to allow for a customized hydrophilicity change width within said DDD to control drug delivery speed of said DDP within said DPP.
 16. The drug delivery method of claim 1 wherein said CCD is configured to allow for a customized hydrophilicity change depth within said DDD to control drug delivery flow of said DDP within said DPP.
 17. The drug delivery method of claim 1 wherein said CCD is configured to allow for a customized hydrophilicity change width within said DDD to control drug delivery flow of said DDP within said DPP.
 18. The drug delivery method of claim 1 wherein said CCD is configured to accept patient specific information to customize said DPP based on specific requirements of said patient.
 19. The drug delivery method of claim 1 wherein said DDD comprises biological tissue that is receptive to a two-photon hydrophilicity change and said LPG is configured to modify the hydrophilicity of said biological tissue via radiation from said FLS.
 20. The drug delivery method of claim 1 wherein said DDD comprises biological tissue that is receptive to a two-photon hydrophilicity change and wherein said LPG is configured to modify said biological tissue via radiation from said FLS to increase water flow within said biological tissue via activation of a hydrophilicity change imparted on said biological tissue by said FLS. 